GREENSBORO – Smithfield-Selma High School (SSS) students competed February 24-26, 2022 at the annual NC DECA Career Development Conference (CDC). DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is a business club that prepares emerging leaders in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and hospitality management.
Over 150 school chapters from all over the state arrived at the Greensboro Koury Convention Center to compete, network, and attend workshops. Additionally, a select number of chapters were given awards for their hard work in improving their chapter.
SSS DECA received numerous chapter awards, including: “Up and Coming Chapter Award” and the NC DECA Chapter Award Level of Extraordinary, which is the highest achievement for a school chapter. SSS DECA members worked hard to earn high placements in their selected events. If they are a top 6 finalist in their selected event, they are given a chance to compete at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), or, if they are an overall finalist, they are given the chance to participate in workshops at ICDC.
The SSS DECA members who achieved an award and a chance to advance to ICDC were: Jude Reece for 1st place in Principles of Business Management, Mohamed Mohamed for 3rd place in Professional Selling and Consulting, and Javier Martinez-Tejeda for 4th place in Marketing Communications. The overall finalists were Frankie DiGiovanni and Camryn Lovette in Principles of Business Management. Michelle Chen also earned a top-scoring exam in the Restaurant and Food Service Management category, and she was a top 10 marketing math exam performer.
In addition, the SSS DECA chapter participated in a Quiz Bowl game against over 30 other DECA Chapters across NC. After a fierce and intense battle in the final ring, SSS DECA brought home the first place trophy at the NC DECA quiz bowl competition.
SSS student and DECA member Frankie DiGiovanni said, “DECA CDC was not only a great place to strengthen my business knowledge, but it was also an environment to build new relationships. Everyone there bonded through fun events and gatherings, which made the experience really enjoyable.”
SSS teacher Amanda Astoske said, “DECA’s competitive events provide students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and professional skills to grow and make connections beyond the classroom. Students utilized 21st Century skills to think creatively and communicate effectively. I am so proud of all our DECA members for their hard work and dedication.”
Very well done!